First Missouri State Capitol SHS

Description

Missouri's first legislators met in the buildings of the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site to undertake the task of reorganizing Missouri's territorial government into a progressive state system. From June 4,1821, to Oct. 1,1826, heated debates of state's rights and slavery filled the rooms of the temporary Capitol.

The second floor of two adjoining Federal-style brick buildings was divided and used as Senate and House chambers, an office for the governor, and a small committee room. The first floor of the Peck brothers' building housed a general store and Ruluff Peck's family residence. Chauncy Shepard operated a carpenter shop on the first floor of the adjoining building.

For a nominal fee, visitors can take a guided tour through the actual restored and furnished rooms where Missouri state government was created and first practiced. The restored Peck brothers' general store and residence have been furnished as they might have looked in the early 1800s. Admission is free to the historic site's interpretive center, which offers two floors of exhibits and an orientation show.